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“Super sludge” suspect arrested by PCSO Agricultural Detectives

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“Super sludge” suspect arrested by PCSO Agricultural Detectives

On Thursday, August 7, 2018, PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives arrested 50-year-old Peter Rodriguez of Davenport on two counts of commercial dumping (F-3) after investigation revealed he illegally dumped around 10,000 gallons of used cooking oil in a vacant lot in Davenport. According to ACT Environmental, who assisted with cleanup, it’s the largest spill ever found in Polk County.

Polk County Fire Rescue/Hazmat, ACT, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Hazmat Teams responded to the area of Sand Mine Road and Hwy 27 to assist deputies. Walgreens and Duke Energy own the adjoining property where the “oil sludge” was found.

“Our investigators worked quickly to find out where the oil from the ‘Super Spill’ came from. Hazmat tested it and determined it’s not hazardous to the public.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff

According to the affidavit, deputies found a pump truck near the scene behind Dollar General where the used oil was leaking from a drain spout. After investigating, deputies determined the truck was owned by Brownies Septic and Plumbing and Rodriguez was the operator. He eventually admitted to dumping the sludge, but said he had to do it to keep his job. Brownies Representatives say they’re not sure why Rodriguez dumped the oil in the vacant lot as it’s picked up from various locations and then disposed at its place of business in Orlando to be refined and sold.

Rodriguez has been released from jail on a 2,000 bond.

 

Victory Ridge Academy Opens Expanded Campus at 501 Burns Avenue

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Victory Ridge Academy Opens Expanded Campus at 501 Burns Avenue

Lake Wales, Florida, August 7, 2018 – On Monday, August 13, 2018, Victory Ridge Academy will celebrate the opening of its expanded campus, located at 501 Burns Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853.

The property, formerly owned by High Point Church, was originally purchased in 1974 with several expansions over the years. While High Point Church will still be open to the public for church services on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, the facilities will operate as a school during the week.

“High Point Church leadership had actually had conversations and prayer about the idea that maybe, after 45 years, we would be more effective in a different location.  So, when the talks began with Victory Ridge we sensed this was a divine opportunity. We are very happy that God saw fit to let us do this deal with Victory Ridge Academy. They are great neighbors and we have had a solid relationship with them over the last several years. The service and education they provide is so important and unique to families in our area that it is a double blessing that the sale of our facility meets their need and ours as well. It is a ‘win-win’ for our organizations and for the community of Lake Wales,” said Pastor Jack Hilligoss.

Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, Victory Ridge Academy’s expanded location will house our cafeteria, Pre-K 1 and Supportive 1 classrooms, grades 3-5, and extra-curricular classes such as P.E., art and music. This school year, it is Victory Ridge’s goal to expand the building to include six additional classrooms and plans to add an elevator and many new classrooms for the 2019-2020 school year.

“We at Victory Ridge Academy have been praying about our next step, our next real building ever since we broke ground a few years ago.  When the school began as Our Children’s Academy, we were known as the “portable city” school.  We continued to grow in size, but portable by portable. Over that time High Point Church was a tremendous partner, neighbor and supporter of our cause.  Once we purchased our new land, we promised we would work towards a more permanent solution for our students and staff. We were in for such a blessing when we realized an opportunity for both organizations to prosper would give us more than just a real building, it would almost complete our campus, and more! When God has a plan, it’s best to just step aside and let it happen. And it did. We continue to work with Pastor Jack and his staff on a regular basis and know that our partnership might look a little different than before, but we will continue to work towards touching the lives of the communities we both serve,” said Steve Whitaker, Executive Director of Victory Ridge Academy.

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org

Man Steals Car From Dealership & K9 That Was Donated By Dealership Catches Him

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Man Steals Car From Dealership & K9 That Was Donated By Dealership Catches Him

Haines City, Florida – According to the Haines City Police Department a man stole a car from a dealership this afternoon. That man was eventually arrested by a K9 that was donated to the Haines City Police Department last year.

It all started around 2:00pm Tuesday afternoon. A suspect, Hugh Arthur Stewart, DOB 11/28/82 of Delandy Park Avenue, Davenport, stole a car from Miracle Toyota. The Haines City Police Department engaged in a vehicle pursuit and were assisted by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Eventually the suspect drove over stop sticks. A Polk County Sheriffs Office deputy conducted the PIT maneuver, ending the pursuit. The suspect then was non compliant with getting out of the vehicle and showing his hands. A Haines City K9 was released to apprehend him.

“The ironic part is our K-9 named Tundra (donated by Miracle Toyota) did the final take down of the suspect. ” said Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky. The K9 & his Haines City Police Department partner Officer Ryon Green we’re at the right place at the right time.

The suspect is no stranger to the law. He is a frequent flyer. 70 pages of Criminal History. Had a warrant out of Volusia County for Grand Theft Auto and is on probation for Grand Theft Auto.

Stewart is being charged with Grand Theft (Auto) (Felony), Criminal Mischief (damage to vehicle over 1k which is a Felony), Fleeing to Elude (Felony), Resisting Arrest, and Violation of Probation.

He is currently on his way to jail.

PCSO Organized Retail Crime Unit Arrests 32 Suspects For Theft and Other Charges During Investigation

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PCSO Organized Retail Crime Unit Arrests 32 Suspects For Theft and Other Charges During Investigation
From July 30, 2018, to August 3, 2018, the PCSO Organized Retail Crime Unit and partnering entities conducted a countywide undercover investigation focusing on those who commit retail theft from Polk County stores; 32 arrests were made.

 “Our Organized Retail Crime task force works with area retailers and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend those who are stealing. We are sending out this warning to everyone: if you steal from stores in Polk County, you will go to jail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

 The arrests were made at the following businesses, in the areas of Auburndale, Mulberry, Lakeland, Lake Wales, and Winter Haven:

  • Bealls
  • Bealls Outlet
  • Belk
  • Goodwill
  • Home Depot
  • Kohls
  • Lowes
  • Marshalls
  • JC Penney
  • Target
  • TJ Maxx
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart

Detectives worked with loss prevention personnel at each store, focusing on identifying suspects who were trying to conceal items on their person and leave the stores without paying, and other methods of theft or fraud.

Of the 32 suspects arrested, 6 were juveniles, charged with petit theft and grand theft. The youngest suspect arrested was 14 years old, and the oldest was 60 years old.

PCSO filed a total of 20 felony and 29 misdemeanor charges. The total value of items stolen by these suspects is $7,627.00.

19 of the suspects have criminal histories, and 9 of the suspects told detectives they are receiving government/public assistance. Those with criminal histories have a combined total of 57 previous felony and 79 previous misdemeanor charges.

Those arrested, in order of arrest, were:

57-year-old Nancy Cain Anderson of Auburndale; arrested at the Auburndale Lowes (2301 US Hwy 92 West) after concealing bed bug killer and an extension cord in a canvas bag she brought into the store with her, and attempting to leave through the garden center area of the store before being stopped by loss prevention personnel. The value of the items stolen was $39.00. Her criminal history includes 2 prior felonies and 6 prior misdemeanors, including aggravated battery, petit theft, larceny, fraud, shoplifting, DUI, and FTA. She told detectives she receives public assistance each month: $22.00 worth of food stamps, and $725.00 for disability. She was arrested and charged with felony petit theft (F-3). She has five prior petit theft convictions, from Highlands County, Escambia County, Avon Park, and Sebring.

51-year-old Tammy Diane Fordham of Mulberry; arrested after carrying six outdoor chairs to the front of at the Lake Wales Kohl’s (2803 Ridge Way), then outside the store, and finally into her car before driving away with them without paying. Detectives responded to her home, and when they asked her if she knew why they were there, she said, “They didn’t ring up the chairs.” The total value of the chairs was $143.00. She told detectives she’s a registered nurse at Winter Haven Hospital. She was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-1).

23-year-old Brooke Leanne Archie of Winter Haven; arrested at the Auburndale Lowes (2301 US Hwy 92 West) with her boyfriend, Clayton Tate, when she attempted a fraudulent return; they took a circular saw and a 250′ foot roll of twine off the shelves and up to the customer service counter, then provided the sales associate with a receipt from a previous purchase of the same items and attempted to “return” the items. The total value of the items was $55.00. She was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

29-year-old Clayton Thomas Tate of Winter Haven; arrested at the Auburndale Lowes (2301 US Hwy 92 West) with his girlfriend, Brooke Archie, when he atttempted a fraudulent return; they took a circular saw and a 250′ foot roll of twine off the shelves and up to the customer service counter, then provided the sales associate with a receipt from a previous purchase of the same items and attempted to “return” the items. The total value of the items was $55.00. His criminal history includes 18 prior felonies and 22 prior misdemeanors, including theft, burglary, dealing in stolen property, larceny, fraud, FTA, and VOP. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

A 17-year-old male from New York; arrested at the Winter Haven Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) with his girlfriend, Jenna Hoovler, when he concealed an X-box game controller worth $25.00 and $12.00 worth of batteries in his pants and attempted to leave without paying. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

18-year-old Jenna Hoovler of Acra, NY; arrested at the Winter Haven Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) with her 17-year-old boyfriend, after acting as a lookout when he concealed an X-box game controller worth $25.00 in his pants, and being found by loss prevention personnel with a $10 phone accessory in her pocket. She was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

41-year-old Rodney Moseley of Plant City; arrested at the Winter Haven Home Depot (2000 8th Street NW) when he concealed items in his pockets and under two bags of quickset (which he paid for). The total value of the items was $37.00. His criminal history includes 5 prior felonies and 8 prior misdemeanors, including battery, resisting arrest, cocaine, marijuana, larceny, criminal mischief, and VOP. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

49-year-old Caroline Martin of Auburndale; arrested at the Auburndale Beall’s Outlet (460 Havendale Blvd) when she concealed clothes in a large bag she brought into the store with her. The total value of the items was $50.00. Her criminal history includes 7 prior felonies and 13 prior misdemeanors, including theft, cocaine, fraud, giving false info to LEO, and DWLSR. She was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

60-year-old Walter Forte of Winter Haven; arrested at the Winter Haven Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) when he was observed gathering discarded store receipts from the ground outside the store, then placing matching items into a shopping cart and attempting to return the items for refund. The total value of the fraudulent returns was $48.00. When a PCSO detective took him into custody, he actively pulled away from the detective and resisted arrest. His criminal history includes 9 prior felonies and 12 prior misdemeanors, including battery, felony petit theft, resisting arrest, aggravated assault, carrying a concealed weapon, forgery, shoplifting, exposure of sex organs, sexual assault, and DWLSR. He told detectives he receives food stamps and disability. He was arrested and charged with felony petit theft – 3rdor subsequent offense (F-3), and resisting arrest (M-1).

33-year-old Christine Earp of Winter Haven; arrested at the Auburndale Beall’s Outlet (460 Havendale Blvd) when she concealed clothes in a purse she brought into the store with her. The total value of the items was $155.00. When a PCSO detective took him into custody, she actively pulled away from the detective and resisted arrest. Her criminal history includes 7 prior felonies and 14 prior misdemeanors, including battery, shoplifting, drug possession, and DWLSR. She told detectives she receives public assistance but wouldn’t say how much. She was arrested and charged with felony petit theft – 3rd or subsequent offense (F-3), resisting arrest (M-1), and VOP (M-2).

39-year-old Joseph Yeager of Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland Home Depot (2805 US Hwy 98 North) when he concealed staples in his pocket. The total value of the staples was $7.00. His criminal history includes prior arrest out of state for kidnapping, domestic violence, assault, disorderly conduct, and domestic violence. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

30-year-old Tambril Fullwood of Lakeland; arrested at the TJ Maxx (4023 US Hwy 98 North) when she concealed clothes in a purse she brought into the store with her. Her 11-year-old son was with her. The total value of the items was $25.00. Her criminal history includes 11 prior felonies and 7 prior misdemeanors, including grand theft, petit theft, giving false info to LEO, VOP, and FTA. She told detectives she receives $480 per month in food stamps. She gave detectives a false name but was positively identified through her fingerprints. She was arrested and charged with felony petit theft – 3rd or subsequent offense (F-3), contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M-1), and giving false info to LEO (M-1).

24-year-old Joshua Nelson of Zephyrhills; arrested at the Lakeland Home Depot (2805 US Hwy 98 North) when he put two drills into his cart and walked out without paying. The total value of the drills was $498.00. His criminal history includes 2 prior felonies and 2 prior misdemeanors, including fraud, dealing in stolen property, marijuana, DWLSR, and criminal trespass. He was arrested and charged with grand theft (F-3).

18-year-old Raymond Matt of Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland Goodwill Store (5411 South Florida Avenue) when he concealed a pair of glasses in a bag of previously purchased items. The total value of the glasses was $3.50. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

60-year-old Anita Smith of Winter Haven; arrested at the Lakeland Beall’s (3565 Lakeland Highlands Rd) when she concealed clothing in a purse she brought into the store. The total value of the items was $472.00. She was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-1).

33-year-old Daiquiri Willis of Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland Beall’s Outlet (3159 US Hwy 98 North) when she concealed clothing in a baby carrier she brought into the store. The total value of the items was $118.00. She told detectives she receives $200 per month in food stamps. Her criminal history includes 7 prior felonies and 3 prior misdemeanors, including battery, violation of injunction for protection, dealing in stolen property, stalking, and VOP. She was arrested and charged with petit theft – 2nd offense (M-1).

32-year-old Ronald Whitehall, Jr., of Lakeland; arrested at the Mulberry Walmart (6745 North Church Ave) when he concealed food and toys. The total value of the items was $211.00. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-1).

31-year-old Alma Velasquez of Tampa; arrested at the Lakeland Belk (1400 Town Center Drive) when she and co-defendant Andrew Robinson attempted to use a cloned credit card to purchase clothing. When Robinson was detained by loss prevention personnel, Velasquez attempted to flee. The total value of the items was $796.00. She has 1 prior felony – shooting from a vehicle. She was arrested and charged with trafficking in counterfeit credit cards (F-2), resisting arrest (M-1), and grand theft (F-3).

24-year-old Andrew Robinson of Chicago, IL; arrested at the Lakeland Belk (1400 Town Center Drive) when he and co-defendant Alma Velasquez attempted to use a cloned credit card to purchase clothing. The total value of the items was $796.00. He has 2 prior felonies – forgery, domestic battery. He was arrested and charged with resisting arrest (M-1), and grand theft (F-3).

A 14-year-old female from Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland JC Penney (3800 US Hwy 98 North) when she concealed clothing worth $462.00. She was arrested and charged with grand theft (F-3).

31-year-old Donald Vanvleck of Tampa; arrested at the Lakeland Home Depot (6335 South Florida Ave) when he concealed batteries in his pockets. The total value of the batteries was $19.00. He has 10 prior felonies and 4 prior misdemeanors, including larceny, drug possession, cocaine trafficking, and grand theft. He was arrested and charged with felony petit theft (F-3) and resisting arrest (M-1).

30-year-old Yuseidy Martin of Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland JC Penney (3800 US Hwy 98 North) when she, in her role as a cashier, significantly reduced the cost of merchandise purchased by her friend and co-defendent, Kenia Lugo-Ramirez, between March and July 2018. The total value of the items was $2,700.00. She told detectives she receives $75 per month in food stamps. She was arrested and charged with fraud (F-3) and grand theft (F-3).

36-year-old Kenia Lugo-Ramirez of Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland JC Penney (3800 US Hwy 98 North) when she purchased significantly reduced merchandise while her friend and co-defendant Yuseidy Martin worked as a cashier. The total value of the items was $2,700.00. She told detectives she receives $457 per month in food stamps. Her criminal history includes 2 prior felonies and 2 prior misdemeanors, including marijuana possession and cultivation. She was arrested and charged with fraud (F-3) and grand theft (F-3).

22-year-old Brandon Egley of Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland Target (4005 US Hwy 98 North) when he concealed a portable charger in his pocket. The total value of the item was $60.00. His criminal history includes a prior misdemeanor for FTA. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

22-year-old Aminah Johnson of Winter Haven; arrested at the Lakeland Bealls (3565 Lakeland Highlands Rd) when she ran out of the store with two female juveniles, her arms filled with clothing. The total value of the clothing was $1,685.00. Her criminal history includes 1 prior felony and 1 prior misdemeanor, for battery and theft. She was arrested and charged with grand theft (F-3) and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M-1).

A 17-year-old female of Clearwater; arrested at the Lakeland Bealls (3565 Lakeland Highlands Rd) when she ran out of the store with Aminah Johnson and another female juvenile, her arms filled with clothing. The total value of the clothing was $1,685.00. Her criminal history includes 7 prior felonies and 4 prior misdemeanors, including aggravated battery, false imprisonment, armed robbery, grand theft of a motor vehicle, shoplifting, petit theft, disturbing the peace, criminal mischief, and VOP. She was arrested and charged with grand theft (F-3).

A 17-year-old female of Dunedin; arrested at the Lakeland Bealls (3565 Lakeland Highlands Rd) when she ran out of the store with Aminah Johnson and another female juvenile, her arms filled with clothing. The total value of the clothing was $1,685.00. She was also in possession of an iPhone stolen from the Macys in Winter Haven. She was arrested and charged with grand theft (F-3), possession of marijuana (M-2), possession of paraphernalia (M-2), and one count resisting arrest (M-1).

59-year-old Cathleen Gable of Mulberry; arrested at the Mulberry Walmart (6745 North Church Avenue) when she pushed a cart filled with merchandise out of the garden center area of the store. The total value of the items was $198.00. Her criminal history includes an arrest in 1988 by NY State Police for grand larceny; in 1978 by LPD for petty larceny; in 1976, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004 by Muskogee (OK) SO for marijuana, possession of stolen property, fraud, petit theft, forgery, larceny, burglary; and in 2007 by Tulsa (OK) PD for distribution of controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia. She told detectives she receives $738.00 per month in disability. She was arrested and charged with one count petit theft (M-1).

43-year-old Michael Runnacles of Bartow; arrested at the Lakeland Lowes (3525 Lakeland Highlands Rd) when he switched price tags on several items and purchased them at the self-checkout at lower prices. The total value of the theft was $18.00. His criminal history includes 8 prior felonies and 8 prior misdemeanors, including burglary, theft, battery, vehicle theft, resisting arrest, DUI, DWLSR, trespassing, and VOP. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (M-2).

35-year-old Gregory Wilson of Lakeland; arrested at the Lakeland Home Depot (2805 US Hwy 98 North) when he drank a Red Bull drink and ate Sour Patch Kids candy while walking through the store, then concealed merchandise in his pockets. The total value of the items was $158.00. He fled when confronted by loss prevention personnel, threw the merchandise from his pockets out, hid, and was tracked and then apprehended by a PCSO K-9. His criminal history includes 2 prior felonies and 5 prior misdemeanors, including fraud, battery, disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and failure to appear. He told detectives he receives $33.00 per month in food stamps. He was arrested and charged with resisting retail merchant (M-1), tampering with evidence (F-3), resisting arrest (M-1), petit theft (M-1), burglary (F-2).

A 17-year-old male of Clermont; arrested at the Lakeland Target (4005 US Hwy 98 North) when he concealed merchandise. The total value of the items was $37.00. He was arrested and charged with one count petit theft (M-2).

A 17-year-old female of Clearwater; arrested at the Lakeland Target (4005 US Hwy 98 North) when she concealed merchandise. The total value of the items was $99.00. She was arrested and charged with one count petit theft (M-2).

 

 

 

More Than 1,000 Families Given Free Groceries At Lakeland Family Event

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More Than 1,000 Families Given Free Groceries At Lakeland Family Event

More Than 1,000 Families Given Free Groceries At Lakeland Family Event

by James Coulter

More than 1,000 Lakeland families won’t have to worry about sending their children back to school hungry now that they’ve received free groceries from a local family event.

New Beginnings High School hosted its annual family event, SummerPalooza, last Saturday at Simpsons Park in Lakeland. There they provided more than 50 pounds of free groceries including bread, canned food, and produce each to local families.

More than 2,000 families had pre-registered prior to the event, and more than 1,000 stood in line within the community center’s basketball court waiting to receive their groceries, said Ashley Wright, CEO/Founder of New Beginnings High School.

More than 50 pounds of groceries per family were provided with the aid of Feeding Tampa Bay, while free hygiene products were donated by community partners.

Outside the community center, families could enjoy bounce houses, games, face painting, and barbecue dinners, while inside, they could receive free haircuts and browse up to 65 vendors from local organizations.

This was the third year that New Beginnings High School hosted their annual SummerPalooza. Each and every year has seen the event and turnout grow bigger and better, Wright said.

“I would owe the success to the community as a whole coming together and making it a success,” she said. “That is what it comes down to. Everybody working together to service our kids.”

Started in 2011, New Beginnings High School is a locally-operated charter school in both Winter Haven and Lakeland that services local students in an effort to give them, true to its name, a “new beginning.”

Since its humble beginnings, the school has served over three thousand students, and has 1,100 students currently enrolled, Wright said.

Helping with the event were local celebrities, including R&B artist and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, her husband, Kendall Taylor, President of Rock Soul, Inc., and Dwayne Bacon, NBA player with the Charlotte Hornets.

Bacon participated within the event by offering inspiring words of wisdom during a motivational speech, while his mother, Kennie Crawford, helped with the event by providing food.

As both of them are Lakeland natives, they wanted to find a way to give back to their local community. Supporting an organization like New Beginnings High School and their events such as this was one such way for them to do so, Crawford said.

“We want to continue pushing out kids, doing something great for our kids for them to be encouraged to keep going and they don’t give up,” she said.

With the way that New Beginnings High School has been providing children in both Winter Haven and Lakeland with a proper education, and with how events such as this help further help the community, Crawford considers the school to be quite the benefit.

“They are a great asset to the community,” she said. “If you are not a part of New Beginnings, I think everybody should get on board because they are doing some good things within the community, and it is so awesome.”

The City of Lakeland also contributed to the event by having a Citrus Connection bus serve as a “cooling station” for the many guests within the late summer heat, as well as by setting up a booth promoting their city’s recycling program.

Debbie Almon, Solid Waste Coordinator, was manning the booth during the event, and was able to talk with many guests about their recycling programs and other efforts to protect the environment.

This was the first time she had ever attended SummerPalooza. Having been to other city events, she noticed that this particular managed to draw in a much larger crowd than others.

“I have been to some events where I have not seen as many people, but it looks like there was more than 3,000 folks,” she said. “I thought it was a success.”

To learn more about New Beginnings High School, visit their website at: http://www.newbhs.net/

Polk County Sheriff Office Served Arrest Warrant in Arizona to Kevin Dock for Soliciting a Child in Polk County Online

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Polk County Sheriff Office Served Arrest Warrant in Arizona to Kevin Dock for Soliciting a Child in Polk County Online

On Thursday, August 2, 2018, PCSO undercover computer crimes detectives traveled to Arizona and served a PCSO arrest warrant on 30-year-old Kevin Dock of Tuscon for:

One count Travel to Meet After Using Computer to Lure (F-2)
Five counts Direct/Promote Sexual Performance by Child (F-2)
Five counts Use of Computer to Seduce, Solicit, Lure Child (F-3)
One count Lewd Battery (F-3)
One count Transmit Material Harmful to Child (F-3)

Dock solicited a Winter Haven teen online, sent her pornographic images of himself, video chatted with her and solicited her to perform sex acts, and gave  her directions on how to buy a bus ticket to come to Arizona to be his “sex slave and other stuff.”

“We say it over and over and over – if you prey upon a child in our county, we will arrest you. We don’t care where you live, who you are, or what you do for a living. And parents need to be all up in their child’s business, protecting them from online predators like this one. Fortunately this young girl didn’t actually make it to Arizona – but she was victimized nonetheless, and the suspect will answer for it.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

According to the affidavit, on July 30, 2018, the victim’s parents contacted PCSO to report their daughter missing from their Winter Haven home. Deputies responded, and during the investigation they discovered Greyhound bus tickets in the child’s room, with the name “Kevin Dock” on them. The tickets were for a July 31st departure from Winter Haven, and an August 2nd arrival in Tuscon.

The victim returned home that afternoon and told her parents and deputies that she left home to go see a “friend in Arizona.” She then told them the friend’s name was Kevin Dock, and that she met him online.

During a forensic investigation of her communication devices and interviews with the victim, detectives positively identified Dock as the suspect.

Dock and his victim first encountered each other on the Roleplay.Me website, and their conversation continued using Google’s Hangouts app.

Dock sent nude images of himself, and convinced the victim to reciprocate. Their conversations online consisted of extremely graphic sexual language.

Detectives began chatting with Dock, posing as the victim online.

A warrant for his arrest was obtained, and PCSO reached out to the Tuscon (AZ) Police Department for assistance in locating the suspect’s address, and flew to Arizona to interview Dock.

Tucson P.D. has an open investigation of Dock due to child pornography that was discovered on Dock’s electronic devices during the search of his home.

Dock will be extradited to Polk County to face the charges here prior to any potential Arizona charges.

36th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally Hosted At Haines City

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36th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally Hosted At Haines City

36th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally Hosted At Haines City

by James Coulter

They say the two things you should never discuss over dinner are politics and religion.

Last Friday, Haines City residents had the opportunity to discuss at least one of those two topics during a fancy yet down-home barbecue dinner.

The 36th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally was hosted at the Lake Eva Event Center in Haines City on Friday, allowing members of the surrounding community to come together and enjoy an evening of barbecue and politics.

Within the atrium, more than two dozen political candidates running for local and state positions set up booths where they and their representatives were able to meet with guests and discuss their political stances.

Meanwhile, within the main conference area, dinner tables were set up, allowing the guests and candidates to sit down and enjoy a barbecue dinner prepared by John Michael Exquisite Weddings & Catering, and all while listening to the musical stylings of the Steel Horse band.

Later in the evening, the more than two dozen candidates participated within the Parade of Candidates, where they each had the individual opportunity to appear on stage, introduce themselves, and tell the audience what positions they were running for.

Once guests were finished eating their meals and mingling with the candidates, they had the opportunity to participate within a straw ballot poll to cast their votes for which candidates they agreed with the most.

Also hosted during the event that evening was a 50/50 raffle, where guests could use half of their meal ticket to bid on various prizes donated by local sponsors.

For the past 36 years, the Haines City Chamber of Commerce has been hosting this political rally and dinner to help introduce local residents to their political candidates and learn where they stand on the most important issues.

“As a business organization, that is very important to us,” said Tracy Mouncey, Pig Roast Chair. “It is an annual event…to allow citizens and Chamber members to get educated and informed about candidates that were running and to make the right decisions about who they wanted in office and who they wanted representing their interests.”

For many political candidates, this was their first time attending the event as it was also their first time running; while for other more seasoned politicans, this was one of many years they had attended.

Rep. Sam Killebrew, who is currently running unopposed for District 41, has been attending this event for the past four years. What keeps him coming back each and every year is the overall camaraderie among his local constituents.

“Politics is all about relationships, and this is how you see people that you normally wouldn’t be able to see,” he said. “It gives people the ability to see the candidates, talk to them, and see where they are coming from and helps them make up their minds on who they would want to vote for.”

Killebrew was most impressed by the turnout of this year’s event, especially since he claimed it managed to draw in a much larger crowd than a similar political rally hosted in Winter Haven the evening prior.

For him, being able to meet one-on-one with the very people that he serves is the biggest draw for the event, especially since it allows him the opportunity to meet people he had never seen before.

“I met a lady tonight that her son and my son went to school together over in St. Pete about 30 to 40 years ago,” he said. “It has been the first time that we have seen each other since then. So it’s about seeing old and new friends.”

Mayor Morris West had been attending the event for the past two years. He appreciates how it allows him to mingle among his fellow constituents within the city, as well as meet and know many of the political candidates running for office.

“There are a lot of excellent candidates tonight,” he said. “I think that the ones in the primaries that present themselves well tonight will be the ones that prevail in November. So I thank you for the turnout tonight for the city of Haines City, and we are glad to be a sponsor for the event.”

Such camaraderie among citizens and candidates has allowed the event to prosper over the past 36 years, and it will hopefully allow the event to grow in coming years, to the point where they may even have to relocate to a larger venue, Mouncey said.

“I am so thankful for our many sponsors and volunteers who make it happen,” Mouncey said. “It truly could [not have gone] off so flawlessly without everyone’s input, and it takes a lot to make it happen.”

Locals Meet Their Politicians At Winter Haven Whistle Stop

Staff Reporter
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Locals Meet Their Politicians At Winter Haven Whistle Stop

Locals Meet Their Politicians At Winter Haven Whistle Stop

by James Coulter

Every election year, we often only hear from politicians on television through their campaign ads and their appearances on debates and forums.

Rarely do we ever get the chance to actually meet them in person and ask them where they stand on the real issues.

Winter Haven residents were allowed to do exactly that during the annual Winter Haven Whistle Stop Political Rally last Thursday.

Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at Nora Mayo Hall, the annual political hob nob and barbecue brought in more than two dozen political canidates running for local and state offices, allowing local residents to meet them in person and get to know them and their stances on the issues.

Once guests learned more about each of the candidates, they were then able to cast their votes through a straw ballot poll to show which of the candidates they supported most. (For the results of the straw poll, click here: http://www.winterhavenchamber.com/blog/results-from-whistle-stop-winter-haven-2018)

When not getting involved with politics, guests could also enjoy a good old-fashioned southern barbecue dinner served by Rick’s BBQ while listening to the musical stylings of local acoustic bluegrass band Polkweed Musique.

The more than 24 political candidates who attended that evening were running for positions on the county commission board, county school board, and even for state representative.

Some of the canidates were weathered politicans with years and even decades of political experience under their belt.

Mellony Bell, Polk County Commissioner for District 2, had served on the county commission for the past eight years, and hopes to use her experience to serve as a Florida State Representative for District 56.

As a champion for the arts, education, and economic development, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that funds are diversified and directed towards causes that benefit the next generation of Polk County residents.

She hopes to continue serving her constituents at the state level by further advocating for such initiatives for education and economic development in Tallahassee.

“We need to fund education at the level where it needs to be funded,” she said. “If you get education right, everything else falls into place, economic development, tourism, all of it comes together.”

This was her fourth time attending the Winter Haven Whistle Stop. Each and every time, she keeps coming back to get to know the people that she serves on a personal level.

“It gives them the opportunity to meet the candidates and make an educated choice when they go to the polls,” she said.

While some candidates had years of political experience under their belts, for others, this was their first time stepping into the political arena.

Sarah Fortney had previously spent 33 years teaching science at Stambaugh Middle School in Auburndale. Now she wants to use that experience to further serve students and others though the Polk County School Board by running for District 3.

Not only does she bring her own personal experience, but that of her many colleagues. She wishes to use the relationships she has fostered through the years to ensure that the school board best meets their educational needs.

“I bring the passion and the energy that the school board has been lacking to stand up for students and all employees in our district,” she said.

With this being her first time as a political candidate, she appreciated how the event allowed her the opportunity to meet people old and new and share with them her vision for the school board.

“I have had more interaction with the actual voters than any other event that I have been to,” she said. “I actually don’t have to worry about being on a stage with predetermined questions. I can actually socialize with real people and get their real concerns.”

Katie Worthington, President/CEO of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, appreciates how this event allows locals to meet their local politicans one-on-one, allowing them to have a more personal experience partaking in their democracy.

“We have a lot of candidates that have come out to meet the public, which I think is one of the unique parts of this event, which is to be able to put a face to a name,” she said. “It gives you a chance to learn about issues that are real important to you.”

While the overall turnout appeared smaller to her than in previous years, Worthington was assured by her colleagues that sales were strong despite being low, either due to political burnout or because of the time of the year.

Either way, the turnout proved to be just as vibrant, as it allowed both local politicans and constituents the opportunity to see and talk about the issues that affect their local community.

“I personally enjoy seeing everyone come out and celebrate one of the greatest things we get to do as Americans, which is vote,” she said. “All the candidates were able to do a great job coming out and meeting constituents and seeming to have a good time…We are excited that so many people came out to support democracy.”

Three Easy Ways to Vote

Staff Reporter
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Three Easy Ways to Vote

Three Easy Ways to Vote

POLK COUNTY, FL (August 6, 2018) – Polk County voters have three easy ways to vote in the August 28th Statewide Primary Election, according to Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards.

  1. At your precinct.  Polling locations will be open from 7 am until 7 pm on Election Day.
  2. Vote by Mail.  Requests can be made by calling Election Headquarters or visiting PolkElections.com.  The last day voters can request a mail ballot to be mailed for this election is Wednesday, August 22nd.  All mail ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections by 7 pm on Election Day.
  3. Vote early.  Voting will be available at nine convenient locations around Polk County from August 18th through August 25th.  Early voting hours are 10 am until 6 pm daily.

Early Voting Locations

Bartow            Polk Street Community Center                                   1255 Polk Street

Davenport      Davenport Community Center                                   5 S Allapaha Ave

Haines City     Haines City Library                                                      111 N 6th Street

Lakeland         Simpson Park Community Center                              1725 Martin L King Jr Ave

Lakeland         Polk County Government Center                               930 E Parker Street

Lake Wales     Eagle Ridge Mall                                                         451 Eagle Ridge Drive

Mulberry        Mulberry Phosphate Museum                                    101 SE 1st St

Poinciana       Poinciana Community Center                                     395 Marigold Avenue

Winter Haven Gill Jones Northeast Polk County Govt Center           3425 Lake Alfred Road

For more information, visit PolkElections.com or call the Elections Office at 863-534-5888.

 

K9s For Cops Presents “An Evening with the Stars” Memorial Banquet Featuring David A.R. White, Star of the “God’s Not Dead” Film Series

Staff Reporter
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K9s For Cops Presents “An Evening with the Stars” Memorial Banquet Featuring David A.R. White, Star of the “God’s Not Dead” Film Series

K9s For Cops Presents “An Evening with the Stars” Memorial Banquet

Featuring David A.R. White, Star of the “God’s Not Dead” Film Series

Tickets now available for the annual fundraiser event on Saturday, September 29.

LAKELAND, FLA. – The Estates at Carpenters and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are proud to present the sixth annual “An Evening with the Stars” to benefit K9s for Cops. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 29 at The Lone Palm Golf and Country Club.  A VIP Reception and Silent Auction Preview starts at 5:30 p.m.  Dinner is at 6:15 p.m. Proceeds will help K9s for Cops purchase police dogs for the Polk County Sheriff’s K9 Unit.  Dinner tickets are $55 per person. Dinner & VIP Reception tickets are $105.

David A.R White, a founding partner of Pure Flix Entertainment, is this year’s featured speaker. With many credits to his name, Mr. White’s career hit new heights in 2014 with the release of the Pure Flix “God’s Not Dead” film series, in which he also starred. It soon became one of the most successful independent faith-based films of all time, making Pure Flix the most successful Christian film production company in the industry.

Crossfire Gospel Quartet will be the featured musical guests, and as always, Sheriff Judd will be a special guest speaker at the event. The event will also include a fun meet-and-greet with the K9 Units.

This year’s event marks the 12th Anniversary of the passing of Deputy Matt Williams and his K9 partner DiOGi who were killed in the line of duty. The event was started to honor Deputy Williams, DiOGi and all our law enforcement officers that protect our community every day. As of March 2018, K9 for Cops has raised over $120,000 and purchased 13 dogs for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Michelle Robare at 863.370.9172 or email [email protected]. To donate, make checks payable to The Estates at Carpenters and designate K9s for Cops in the memo line. Tax ID #59-2347336.

***

About K9s for Cops

K9s for Cops is a charitable partnership between The Estates at Carpenters, the area’s premier not-for-profit Life Plan Community, and the Polk County Sheriff’s K9 Unit. The organization was formed to show appreciation for the dedication and commitment of local law enforcement officers and to help offset the costs of purchasing dogs for the unit. The average cost of a K9 dog is $8,500. K9s for Cops was founded in 2011 and as of 2018 has purchased 13 dogs for the Unit.

K9s for Cops was born out of The Estates at Carpenters’ social accountability efforts and commitment to a philanthropic mission. Through the Carpenters Cares program, The Estates at Carpenters allocates the commitment of time, expense, and capital to making a difference in the lives of residents, staff, families and community.

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